Dual dispensing tablet container

ABSTRACT

A container for dispensing pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical tablets is described. The container comprises a prescription tablet pouch, a non-prescription pouch and a header label indicating the time at which the contents of the pouches are to be consumed. The prescription tablet pouch is configured to receive at least one type of prescription drug tablet. The non-prescription tablet pouch is separably coupled to the prescription tablet pouch and is configured to receive at least one type of non-prescription tablet. The header label is separably coupled to the prescription tablet pouch.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS

The present patent application claims the priority of provisional patentapplication No. 61/245,899, filed Sep. 25, 2009. The present patentapplication is also a continuation-in-part of patent application Ser.No. ______

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a container comprising a pouch forprescription tablets, a pouch for non-prescription tablets, and a headerlabel indicating a time at which the contents of the pouches are to beconsumed.

BACKGROUND

One of the major problems in taking prescribed daily medicationsemanates from patients having to take more than one medication in theform of pills or tablets. A principal concern is determining whether allmedications are in compliance with the prescribed daily regimen. Manytimes this concern is compounded by the requirement that portions of thedifferent medications must be taken at different times of the day.

One solution to the problem of taking multiple medications is topre-package the multiple medications so that users can take thepre-packaged medications at a predetermined time. Generally, methods ofpre-packaging medications are targeted to patients that may lackmaturity or mental capacity to take the correct medications at thecorrect time. Some of the pre-packaged medications are placed in a smallplastic bag, which may be easily misplaced. Other pre-packagedmedications are placed in sealed cups that are difficult to open.

An added complication of multiple medication regimens is that often aparticular patient may be advised to take one or more non-prescriptionmedications, such as nutraceuticals, vitamins and/or other beneficialsupplements in addition to his prescription medications. It would bebeneficial to include any non-prescription pills to be consumed by thatpatient in compliance packaging to ensure that the patient is able toeasily comply with his entire regimen, prescription and non-prescriptionalike. Further, it is even simpler and easier for the patient if bothprescription and non-prescription regimens are integrated into onecomplete compliance package.

Yet another complication of multiple medication regimens is that manypatients may require variable doses of a given medication at differenttimes. For example, many medications require titration when a patientbegins taking them. This generally involves the patient taking graduallylarger amounts of the drug until the desired dosage amount is reached.Still other regimens require that a given tablet be taken every otherday, or that different dosages be taken on alternating days. Theseschedules make it even more difficult for a patient to comply with themedication regimen that has been prescribed or recommended.

Although multiple prescription filling systems are available, e.g. theMcKesson PACMED system, these systems have limited capabilities. Forexample, these filling systems fail to assemble a multiple prescriptionorder that can be easily transported and administered. Additionally,these filling systems fail to effectively organize the multipleprescription medications. Furthermore, the filling systems fail toorganize the multiple prescription containers. Further still, thefilling systems fail to provide a compliance packaging solution.

It would thus be desirable to have compliance packaging having a labelassociated with prescription and non-prescription tablets to be taken bya patient at a particular time, the label indicating the time at whichthe tablets are to be consumed.

SUMMARY

A container for dispensing pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical tabletsis described. The container comprises a prescription tablet pouchconfigured to receive at least one type of prescription drug tablet. Thecontainer further comprises a non-prescription tablet pouch configuredto receive at least one type of non-prescription tablet. Thenon-prescription pouch is separably coupled to the prescription tabletpouch. The container also comprises a header label comprisinginformation indicating a time at which the contents of both theprescription tablet pouch and the non-prescription tablet pouch are tobe consumed. The header label is separably coupled to the prescriptiontablet pouch.

In another embodiment, a strip of containers for dispensingpharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical tablets is described. The strip ofcontainers comprises at least one container separably coupled to anothercontainer. Each container comprises a prescription tablet pouchconfigured to receive at least one type of prescription drug tablet.Each container further comprises a non-prescription tablet pouchconfigured to receive at least one type of non-prescription tablet. Thenon-prescription pouch is separably coupled to the prescription tabletpouch. Each container also comprises a header label comprisinginformation indicating a time at which the contents of both theprescription tablet pouch and the non-prescription tablet pouch are tobe consumed. The header label is separably coupled to the prescriptiontablet pouch.

In yet another embodiment, a method for packaging pharmaceutical andnon-pharmaceutical tablets is described. The method comprises receivingat a server an order for tablets. The order comprises an order for atleast one type of prescription tablet and an order for at least one typeof non-prescription tablet. The server generates instructions forfilling a plurality of pouches for prescription tablets and pouches fornon-prescription tablets. The pouches for prescription tablets andpouches for non-prescription tablets are filled by automated means. Aplurality of labels are printed by automated means. The labels compriseinformation indicating the time at which the contents of theprescription tablet pouch and non-prescription tablet pouch associatedwith each label are to be consumed.

DRAWINGS

The present invention will be more fully understood by reference to thefollowing drawings which are for illustrative, not limiting, purposes.

FIG. 1A shows a pair of prior art heated rollers that cut and seal theillustrative pouches.

FIG. 1B shows a side view of a prior art cutting block and a prior artcutting blade shown in FIG. 1A.

FIG. 1C shows a side view of the prior art cutting block and the priorart cutting blade that are both fixedly coupled to the heated rollers ofFIG. 1A.

FIG. 1D shows a sealed prior art pouch with a single side cut adjacentto the prior art cutting blade.

FIG. 2A shows an isometric view of a center cut cutting blade that isused to generate a separable pouch with a center cut.

FIG. 2B shows an inverted side view of the center cut blade shown inFIG. 2A.

FIG. 2C shows an illustrative elevational side view of a cutting blockand the center cut cutting blade.

FIG. 2D shows an exploded view of the cutting block and the center cutcutting blade.

FIG. 2E shows an illustrative strip that includes a sealed center cutpouch.

FIG. 3A shows an illustrative sealed center cut pouch with threeperforations and four tearable ribbons on each side of the center cut.

FIG. 3B shows an illustrative sealed center cut pouch with fourperforations on each side of the center cut.

FIG. 3C shows an illustrative sealed center cut pouch with fiveperforations on each side of the center cut.

FIG. 4 shows an illustrative arrangement of pouches associated with anindividual regimen.

FIG. 5 shows a portion of an illustrative strip of pouches.

FIGS. 6 a-6 d show an illustrative strip of stackable individual sealedmedicament containing cups.

FIGS. 7 a-7 d show the manner in which an illustrative strip may befolded from its flat configuration to its stacked configuration.

FIGS. 8A and 8B show a portion of one illustrative embodiment of a stripof pouches associated with an individual regimen, including illustrativelabeling information.

FIGS. 9A and 9B show one embodiment of the stackable individualmedicament cups, including illustrative text associated with anindividual regimen.

FIGS. 10A and 10B show one embodiment of the stackable individualmedicament cups, including illustrative text associated with anindividual regimen.

FIG. 11A shows a group of seven separable pouches, wherein each pouchcomprises a plurality of different tablets.

FIG. 11B shows an exploded view of the illustrative front side of one ofthe sealed center cut pouches associated with an individual regimen andcontaining prescription medication that is included in the strip ofpouches.

FIG. 11C shows an exploded view of the illustrative back side of thepouch in FIG. 11B.

FIG. 12A shows a group of seven separable pouches, wherein each pouchcomprises a plurality of different tablets.

FIG. 12B shows an exploded view of the illustrative front side of one ofthe sealed center cut pouches associated with an individual regimen andcontaining nutraceuticals that is included in the strip of pouches.

FIG. 12C shows an exploded view of the illustrative back side of thepouch in FIG. 12B.

FIG. 13A shows four illustrative separable pouches and their associatedheaders, wherein each pouch comprises a plurality of different tabletsand each header comprises printed information about the associatedtablets.

FIG. 13B shows an exploded view of the illustrative front side of one ofthe sealed center cut pouches associated with an individual regimen andcontaining nutraceuticals that is included in the strip of pouches.

FIG. 13C shows an exploded view of the illustrative back side of thepouch in FIG. 12B.

FIG. 14A shows one illustrative configuration of pouches where theheader is located above two pouches that are scheduled for one timeperiod for administration to one individual.

FIG. 14B shows one illustrative configuration of pouches where theheader is located between two pouches that are scheduled for one timeperiod for administration to one individual.

FIG. 14C shows one illustrative configuration of pouches where no headeris included.

FIG. 14D shows another illustrative configuration of pouches where theheader is located between two pouches that are scheduled for one timeperiod for administration to one individual.

FIG. 15A shows a plan view of blank used to form a foldable boxconfigured to receive a plurality of center cut pouches.

FIG. 15B shows an isometric view of an assembled box without any printplaced on the blank.

FIG. 16A shows a label area on a pre-assembled blank that is similar tothe blank described in FIG. 15A.

FIG. 16B shows a variety of printable areas on the back face of theassembled box.

FIG. 17 shows a folded box with an exposed label area or print areadefined by the top wall and top side flaps.

FIGS. 18A-18G show an illustrative label on the folded box.

FIG. 19 shows an illustrative grouping for a 30-day tablet regimen forthe patient management system.

FIG. 20 shows a secondary container that receives four primarycontainers or assembled boxes.

FIG. 21 shows a plurality of different secondary containerscorresponding to four different dosage periods.

FIG. 22 shows another illustrative secondary container, with stackablemedicament cups associated with an individual regimen contained within.

FIG. 23 shows another embodiment of a secondary container that receivesfour primary containers or assembled boxes.

FIGS. 24A and 24B show illustrative flowcharts of methods for compliancepackaging for the patient medication management system.

FIGS. 25A-25C show an isometric view of the dual tablet dispensingcontainer.

FIGS. 26A-26E show a flat plan view of an illustrative label.

FIG. 27 shows a first side view of the front side wall for the unopeneddual tablet dispensing container.

FIG. 28 shows a second side view of the back side wall of the 30-daytablet dispensing container.

FIGS. 29A-29B show a third side view of the illustrative right-side wallof the 30-day tablet dispensing container.

FIG. 30 shows a fourth side view of the illustrative left-side wall ofthe 30-day tablet dispensing container.

FIG. 31 shows a top view of the top wall of the unopened 30-day tabletdispensing container.

FIG. 32 shows a bottom view of the 30-day tablet dispensing container.

FIG. 33 shows an illustrative front view of the opened 30-day tabletdispensing container that reveals illustrative pouches.

FIG. 34 shows an illustrative flowchart describing a method forpackaging pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical tablets.

DESCRIPTION

Persons of ordinary skill in the art will realize that the followingdescription is illustrative and not in any way limiting. Otherembodiments of the claimed subject matter will readily suggestthemselves to such skilled persons having the benefit of thisdisclosure. It shall be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in theart that the apparatus and systems described herein may vary as toconfiguration and as to details. Additionally, the methods may vary asto details, order of the actions or other variations without departingfrom the illustrative method disclosed herein.

The systems, apparatus and methods described herein provide the correctmedications and dosages at the right time. The packaging is designedwith clear images and names to simplify the process of determining theappropriate medications to take at the appropriate time. Additionally,the patient medication management system and method described hereineliminates the worry of taking the wrong medication at the wrong timeand eliminates the need to manually open and organize prescriptions eachweek. Furthermore, the system and method described herein gathers allthe patient's medicines together in one package, and clearly shows theproper dosage time.

The system and method described herein allows a patient or physician toseamlessly integrate OTC medications, vitamins, nutraceuticals and otherbeneficial supplements into a daily regimen. This can be particularlyimportant in elderly patients. As people age, they tend to take anever-growing number of medications, any of which can interact withanother medicament or other substance they may ingest. For example, aphysician may want a patient to take a non-prescription pill daily or onanother regular regimen. One such example is 81 mg aspirin, oftenrecommended for patients to take daily to help prevent certain types ofheart and/or cardiovascular disease. Using the system and methoddescribed herein, the patient can have all pills in hand that need to betaken at one time without having to remember to open additional pillbottles and add extra pills to the regimen dispensed from the DualDispensing Tablet Container.

The Dual Dispensing Tablet Container can also be used to help avoid ordiminish unwanted side effects of medications or food-medicationinteractions. For example, some breakfast foods are well-known tointeract with some medications. Grapefruit and/or grapefruit juice canslow elimination of certain types of drugs (such as benzodiazepines,like valium) from the body, while oatmeal can decrease absorption ofdigoxin to almost nothing. Since some medications includingbenzodiazepines are already eliminated more slowly by elderly patients,taking grapefruit juice or eating grapefruit while a large dose ofmedication is still in an elderly patient's system could be particularlydangerous. Ingestion of a large quantity of oatmeal before taking a doseof digoxin may be equally dangerous, because the patient believes he hasreceived the beneficial effect of the drug since he has consumed themedication, when in reality, the drug was not absorbed by the body dueto the effect of the oatmeal. The Dual Dispensing Tablet Container helpsprevent either type of interaction by simply scheduling such drugs for atime other than “morning” or “breakfast time”.

Other timing-related complications that interfere with patientcompliance with prescribed or recommended medication regimens includewhen the dosage of a given drug is not regular or when the frequencywith which a drug should be taken is not regular. Certain tablets mustbe taken only every other day to maximize their benefit to the patient.It can be very difficult for patients to comply with such complicatedregimens. The Dual Dispensing Tablet Container can aid those patients byproviding the proper dose at the proper time. The patient is notrequired to tell the difference between two dosages of the same tablet,nor is he required to calculate the proper interval between dosages. Allcalculations and identification are done ahead of time, before thepatient ever sees the prescription container.

Another advantage of the Dual Dispensing Tablet Container is that itallows physicians or other health care providers to more closely monitorthe non-prescribed pills that a patient may take each day, includingvitamins, nutraceuticals, over-the-counter drugs or other pills. Thiscan help prevent interactions between prescription medications and otherpills. For example, aspirin can interact with blood thinners likeCoumadin and/or antidepressants like Prozac to cause bleeding.

The terms “tablets”, “medications” and “medicaments” as used herein torefer to medications, pharmaceuticals, nutriceuticals, vitamins,capsules, gel caps, pills and other such medicinal or nutritionalpreparations for oral use as would be appreciated by those of ordinaryskill in the art of pharmacy. The terms “prescription tablets”,“prescription medications” and “prescription medicaments” refer to pillsand other such medicinal or nutritional preparations for oral use thatare prescribed to a patient by a physician or other health careprovider, as would be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the artof pharmacy. The term “non-prescription tablets” refers to pills andother such preparations for oral use that may be obtained without aprescription.

The systems, apparatus and methods described herein provide assurancesof the proper dosages at the proper period. Additionally, caregivers andpatients get the assurance that the patient is getting the rightmedications and staying compliant with those medications. Furthermore, atime saving solution for dispensing tablets, medications and vitamins isdescribed.

One of the patient medication management systems provides a compliantpackaging solution. For purposes of this patent, the term “compliantpackaging” refers to packaging tablets so that they are administered ina manner that complies with one or more prescriptions. Additionally,compliant packaging may also refer to providing reminders for takingmedications and/or recording that the medications have been consumed.

By way of example and not of limitation, compliance packaging mayinclude three elements: firstly, an action is initiated by a patientand/or caregiver with the compliance package; secondly, the compliancepackage dispenses at least one tablet as a result of the action taken bythe patient and/or caregiver; and thirdly, the compliance packagerecords the dispensing of the tablet. An illustrative example of a“compliance package” is the well-known birth control “dial pack”package, in which there are thirty tablets in a blister package that arein a circular configuration (not shown). To consume the tablet, thepatient pushes on the transparent plastic material and the tabletpierces a foil backing. After the tablet is dispensed from the dialpackage, a record is left on the dial pack package, i.e. a pressedplastic housing and pierced foil backing.

Compliant packaging may also include a compliant package having aplurality of different tablets corresponding to one or moreprescriptions from one or more medical doctors. The compliant package isconsumed at a predetermined interval consistent with the prescription.Some compliant packaging solutions may record that each of the tabletsis consumed.

One of the illustrative patient medication systems described hereinsatisfies the requirements for a compliance package because an action isrequired by the patient or caregiver that requires identifying theappropriate dosage period, e.g. morning, and selecting the appropriatepouch or pouches. The patient or caregiver records the consumption ofthe medication by removing the packet containing the appropriatemedication from the container and consuming the medication. Since thepacket is imprinted with a dosage time period and date for consumption,a patient or caregiver can tell at a glance whether the medication forthe current date and dosage period has already been consumed or whetherit remains to be taken.

Referring to FIG. 1A there is shown a pair of prior art heated rollersthat cut and seal the illustrative pouches that hold the tablets. Theillustrative pouch 12 is cut and perforated by a cutting blade 14 andcutting block 16 that is fixedly coupled to heated roller 18 and heatedroller 20, respectively. The heated rollers also seal the end 19 of thepouch 12. The heated roller 18 includes a second cutting blade 22 thatcuts, perforates and seals the opposite end of the pouch 12 (not shown).The second heated roller 20 includes a second cutting block 24 that islocated at an equidistant point from the cutting block 16. Theillustrative rollers 18 and 20 also seal the edges of the pouch. Theillustrative combination of the heated rollers 18 and 20 and cuttingblade 14 and cutting block 16 may be found in a PACMED™ system sold bythe McKesson Corporation from Pennsylvania.

Referring now to FIG. 1B there is shown a side view of the cutting block16 and cutting blade 14 that are both fixedly coupled to the heatedrollers of FIG. 1A. The cutting blade 14 has a flat face 26 and apointed edge 28.

In FIG. 1C there is shown a side view of the cutting block 16 andcutting blade 14 that are both fixedly coupled to the heated rollers ofFIG. 1A. Generally, block 16 is a rectangular block shaped metal alloy.The cutting blade 14 may be composed of the same or similar metal alloyand includes a single side cut 30 of a predetermined length and aplurality of smaller cuts such as 32 a that score or cut the pouch 12and provide perforations between the heat-sealed edges of each pouch.

In FIG. 1D there is shown an illustrative sealed prior art pouch with asingle side cut adjacent to the prior art cutting blade 14. Theillustrative pouch 34 includes a single cut 36, a plurality ofperforations such as perforation 38 a, a sealed top edge 40, a sealedbottom edge 42, and a sealed side edge 44. In the illustrativeembodiment, the pouch 34 is formed by taking a plastic sheet composed ofa polymeric compound and folding the plastic sheet over and sealing theside edge 44 and the sealed bottom edge 42 and sealed top edge 40. Thelength of the single cut 36 is determined by the single side cut 30.

The plastic pouch materials may be obtained with the PACMED™ system andthe consumables are sold by the McKesson Corporation; however, thechemical and material properties of the plastic materials have not beenpublicly disclosed. Regardless, the inventors have discovered that thereare various limitations corresponding to the plastic pouch materials. Inthe embodiments disclosed herein, the plastic “pouch” material is soldas a consumable for the PACMED system. Alternatively, an AUTOMEDpackaging system may also be used.

In general, the plastic pouches generated by the PACMED machines do nottear easily. The single cut 36 and multiple perforations 38 a result inthe tearing of the existing pouch and adjacent pouches. Although, eachthe perforations 38 a are intended to facilitate horizontal tearing, theperforations 38 a regularly result in a tear taking a circuitous routethat tears the existing pouch or adjacent pouch. Thus, when a user tearsthe prior art pouches, there is a likelihood that the resulting tear isnot horizontal and tears the sealed pouch holding the tablets or theadjacent sealed pouch.

Additionally, it appears that there is a film grain 46 corresponding tothe plastic materials that result in vertical tearing of the pouches, sothat upon attempting to separate a first pouch from a second pouch, atear occurs with significant frequency on either pouch itself or theadjacent pouch that would result in tablets being spilt on a table orfloor. The complexity of this problem is magnified by the plastic pouchmaterials being sold exclusively by McKesson Corporation and there beingno alternative pouch materials that operate with the PACMED system.

Referring to FIG. 2A there is shown an isometric view of a center cutblade that is used to generate a separable pouch with a center cut. Thecenter cut blade 50 generates separable pouches that enable a patient orcaregiver to access the medications in the pouches without tearingadjacent pouches. The center cut blade 50 is fixedly coupled to heatedrollers 18 shown in FIG. 1A. The heated rollers 18 and 20 are configuredto seal each pouch and to also cut the plastic pouch material. Theillustrative cutting blade 50 has a top edge 52 and a bottom face 54.

Referring to FIG. 2B there is shown an inverted side view of the centercut blade shown in FIG. 2A. The top edge 52 of the center cut blade 50comprises a first side cut 56 having a c₁ length, a center cut 58 havinga c₂ length, and a second side cut 60 having a c₃ length. The first sidecut 56 and second side cut 60 are on each end of the blade 50. Thecenter cut 58 is in the middle of the blade 50 and is separated from thefirst side cut 56 by perforation cuts 62 a, 62 b and 62 c. On theopposite end, the second side cut 60 is separated from the center cut 58by the perforation cuts 64 a, 64 b, and 64 c. Each perforation is arelatively small cut compared to either the side cuts or the center cut.The center cut length is greater than the length of each side cut.

For example, in a broad illustrative embodiment the dimensions of thefirst side cut 56 c₁ length can range from 1.0 mm to 20.0 mm. Thedimensions of the second side cut 60 c₃ length can range from 1.0 mm to20.0 mm. The center cut 58 c₂ length can range from 1.0 mm to 50.0 mm.The number and size of perforation cuts can also vary. For example,there may be 1 to 10 perforation cuts in the broad illustrativeembodiment, and the width of the perforation cuts can vary from 0.1 mmto 2.0 mm.

In a more limiting embodiment, the dimensions of the first side cut 56c₁ length can range from 5.0 mm to 15.0 mm. The dimensions of the secondside cut 60 c₃ length can range from 5.0 mm to 15.0 mm. The center cut58 c₂ length can range from 20.0 mm to 40.0 mm. The number and size ofperforation cuts can also vary. For example, there may be 2 to 5perforation cuts in the less broad illustrative embodiment, and thewidth of the perforation cuts can vary from 0.5 mm to 1.5 mm.

In the preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 2B, the length of first sidecut 56 is approximately 10 mm, and for second side cut 60, isapproximately 10 mm. The center cut 58 is approximately 35 mm. In thepreferred embodiment, there are three perforation cuts resulting in fourtearable ribbons on each side of the center cut 58. The width of theperforation cuts is approximately 1.0 mm, and each of the tearableribbons is approximately 1.0 mm.

Referring to FIG. 2C, there is shown an illustrative elevational sideview of a cutting block 66 and the center cut blade 50. This profile ofthe center cut blade 50 and the cutting block 66 shows that the centercut blade 50 has the same profile as the prior art cutting blade 14shown in FIG. 1B. In operation, the center cut blade 50 and cuttingblock 66 are fixedly coupled to rotating heated rollers that effectivelycut and seal the pouch. The illustrative heated roller described hereinprovides a dual role, namely, the heated roller provides a means forforming sealed pouches because the heated roller is used to seal theplastic pouch material. Additionally, once the center cut blade isplaced in the heated roller, the combination provides a means forseparating each sealed pouch without tearing the existing sealed pouchor tearing the adjacent sealed pouch.

Referring to FIG. 2D, there is shown an exploded view of the cuttingblock and the center cut cutting blade. A more detailed view of thecenter cut blade 50 depicts the first side cut 56 adjacent to a firstu-shaped well 68 a that is adjacent the perforation cut 62 a. Note, theterms “u-shaped well” and “well” are used interchangeably. A secondu-shaped well 68 b follows and is adjacent to another perforation cut 62b that is also adjacent well 68 c. Well 68 c is also adjacent toperforation cut 62 c which is, in turn, adjacent to well 68 d. Adjacentto well 68 d is the center cut 58. The center cut 58 is separated fromthe second side cut 60 by the alternating combinations of theperforation cuts 64 a-64 c and wells 70 a-70 d. The first side cut 56and second side cut 60 are on each end of the blade 50. The illustrativefour wells 68 a-68 d and 70 a-70 d generate four ribbons on the plasticpouches that are between each side cut and the center cut that aredescribed in further detail below.

Referring back to FIG. 2A the u-shaped wells 68 a-68 d and 70 a-70 d arenot sharpened and do not cut the plastic pouch materials. As a result,“ribbons” are produced that connect or couple the pouches to oneanother.

The separable sealed pouches may then be grouped into collections ofseven pouches (for the seven-day box), twenty-eight pouches, thirtypouches or any other such combination. A plurality of sealed pouchesthat are grouped is also referred to as a “strip,” and the terms “strip”and “group of pouches” is used interchangeably in this patent. A typicalstrip includes seven pouches, twenty-eight pouches, or thirty pouches.In one embodiment described in further detail below, a reminder stripconsists of seven pouches, followed by an empty pouch with printing onthe pouch to remind the patient and/or caregiver to re-order, and tworemaining pouches. In another embodiment, there are twenty-eight pouchesfollowed by an empty pouch with printing on the pouch to remind thepatient and/or caregiver to re-order and two remaining pouches

Referring now to FIG. 2E there is shown an illustrative strip 71 thatincludes a sealed center cut pouch 72. The illustrative pouch 72 isadjacent to pouch 74 and pouch 76. By way of example and not oflimitation, the illustrative pouch 72 comprises a sealed top end 78, asealed bottom end 80, and two sides, in which at least one side is alsosealed, e.g. side seal 82, and the other side is folded over. Eachillustrative pouch includes different tablets corresponding to differentmedications, vitamins or other such medicinal or nutritional preparationfor oral use.

Additionally, the illustrative pouch is joined to an adjacent pouch by aplurality of tearable ribbons 84 a-84 d adjacent to the first side cut85 a adjacent the top end 78. A similar grouping of tearable ribbons isalso adjacent to the second side cut 85 b adjacent to the top end. Eachsealed pouch comprises side cuts 85 a and 85 b on each side of the topend 78 and side cuts 85 c and 85 d on each side of bottom end 80.

The illustrative embodiment shows a pouch with at least threeperforations between each side cut and the center cut. The first ribbon84 a is disposed between the first side cut 85 and the first perforation86 a. The second ribbon 84 b and third ribbon 84 c are each disposedbetween perforations 86 a, 86 b and perforations 86 b, 86 c,respectively. The fourth ribbon 84 d is disposed between the thirdperforation 86 c and the center cut 87 a. A similar configuration ofperforations and ribbons surround the center cut 87 b that is adjacentto the bottom end 80. In the illustrative example, the ribbons have awidth corresponding to the width of the u-shaped well.

The resulting pouch can be opened on either side and the center cutprevents tearing the existing pouch or the adjacent pouch. In general,the pouch described minimizes the number of tearable ribbons, therebyminimizing the likelihood of tearing the existing pouch or the adjacentpouch. Additionally, having the tearable ribbons at the edges of thepouch also minimizes the likelihood of tearing into the existing oradjacent pouches.

It shall be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art having thebenefit of this disclosure that the resulting pouch will vary dependingon the type of pouch material being used, the thickness or weight of thepouch material, the seal, the length of the cuts, the number of cuts,the length of the perforations, number of perforations, the width of thetearable ribbons and the frequency of tearable ribbons. For example, inFIG. 3A there is shown the illustrative sealed center cut pouch 72described above with three perforations and four tearable ribbons oneach side of the center cut. In FIG. 3B there is shown an illustrativesealed center cut pouch 88 with four perforations on each side of thecenter cut. FIG. 3C depicts another illustrative sealed center cut pouch89 with five perforations on each side of the center cut.

Referring to FIG. 4 there is shown an illustrative layout of pouchesassociated with all pills to be consumed by one individual at aparticular date and time and associated with an illustrative individualregimen. Header 802 does not contain any tablets. Instead, illustrativeinformation is provided. Pouch 804 represents a pouch containing tabletsassociated with one or more prescriptions associated with anillustrative individual regimen. Pouch 806 represents a pouch containingnon-prescription tablets associated with an illustrative individualregimen.

Referring to FIG. 5 there is shown a portion of the layout of a strip ofpouches associated with an illustrative individual regimen, showing thatthe header 802 a and the associated pouches 804 a and 806 a to beadministered at one date and time are continuous with the header 802 band pouches 804 b and 806 b for the subsequent date and time. As shown,a dosage unit comprising a header and at least one pouch may becontinuous with one or more dosage units.

Referring to FIGS. 6 a-6 d there is shown a portion of the layout of astrip of sealed medicament cups that are associated with an illustrativeindividual regimen. FIGS. 6 a-6 d show the same strip portion in avariety of configurations.

FIGS. 7 a-7 d illustrate the manner in which a flat strip of medicamentcups associated with an individual regimen may be folded into astackable configuration for use with a secondary container.

FIGS. 8A and 8B show a portion of one illustrative embodiment of a stripof pouches, including illustrative labeling information associated withan individual regimen. As shown, in this embodiment, the header isassociated with the two pouches that immediately follow it on the stripof pouches.

FIGS. 9A and 9B show an illustrative container and illustrative labelingfor one embodiment of a strip of medicament cups. FIG. 9A shows oneillustrative layout of the strip of medicament containers, in which theheader (material between cups) is configured to be printed withillustrative information about the individual integrated order and theassociated patient and pill regimen. In this embodiment, the lids of thecups are marked with illustrative symbols to clearly indicate which cupshold the prescription medicaments and which cups hold thenon-prescription tablets, such as nutraceuticals, vitamins and otherbeneficial supplements. Further, the header area is configured to becoupled to one of two adjacent cups that correspond to a single date andtime for a particular individual to consume the tablets within and theheader portion has information related to the contents of both adjacentcups. FIG. 9B shows illustrative labeling including the name of thepatient, the date the tablets should be consumed, the time of day thetablets should be taken, the name of the prescribed medication, the nameof the corresponding generic, the dosage and the prescription number.Additionally, an expiration date is included that identifies themedications that should not be taken after the expiration date.

FIGS. 10A and 10B show illustrative container and illustrative labelingfor another embodiment of a strip of medicament cups. FIG. 10A shows oneillustrative layout of the strip of medicament containers, in which theheader 1001 (material between cups) is configured to be printed withillustrative information about the individual integrated order and theassociated patient and pill regimen. In this embodiment, the lids of thecups are marked with illustrative inverted colors to clearly indicatewhich cups hold the prescription medicaments and which cups hold thenon-prescription medicaments, such as nutraceuticals, vitamins and otherbeneficial supplements. Further, the header area is configured to becoupled to each of two adjacent cups that correspond to a single dateand time for a particular individual to consume the tablets within; theheader portion has an additional perforation that allows each headerportion to be separated from rest of the strip along with thecorresponding medicament cup. FIG. 10B shows an illustrative headerlabeling including the date the tablets should be consumed, the time ofday the tablets should be taken, the name of the prescribed medicationand the dosage.

Referring to FIG. 11A there is shown a group of fourteen separablepouches, wherein each pouch comprises a plurality of different tablets.The separable sealed pouches have been grouped into a collection offourteen pouches 90 that correspond to a seven day supply ofmedications. A plurality of sealed pouches that is grouped is alsoreferred to as a “strip,” and the terms “strip,” “group of pouches,” and“strip of pouches” is used herein interchangeably.

Referring to FIG. 11B there is shown an exploded view of theillustrative front side of one of the sealed center cut pouches 92 thatcontain prescription medication that is included in the strip of pouches90. The exploded view shows that a variety of data fields are printed onthe front of each pouch. In general, the data fields provide informationcorresponding to each tablet within the pouch. The data fields include:the name of the patient 94 a, the date the tablets should be consumed 94b, the time of day the tablets should be taken 94 c, the name of theprescribed medication 94 d, the name of the corresponding generic 94 e,the dosage 94 f, and the prescription number 94 g. Additionally, anexpiration date 94 h is included that identifies that the medicationsshould not be taken after the expiration date.

Referring to FIG. 11C there is shown an exploded view of theillustrative back side of the pouch 92 in FIG. 4B. The data fieldsinclude: the name of patient 96 a, a bar code 96 b, the address of thefacility that filled the pouches with tablets 96 c and the telephonenumber 96 d for additional information. The illustrative bar codeassociates the tablets in the foldable box with a particular patient.

Referring to FIG. 12A there is shown a group of fourteen separablepouches, wherein each pouch comprises a plurality of different tablets.The separable sealed pouches have been grouped into a collection offourteen pouches 90 that correspond to a seven day supply ofmedications. A plurality of sealed pouches that is grouped is alsoreferred to as a “strip,” and the terms “strip,” “group of pouches,” and“strip of pouches” are used herein interchangeably.

Referring to FIG. 12B there is shown an exploded view of theillustrative front side of one of the sealed center cut pouches 1292that contains non-prescription medication, nutraceuticals, OTCmedication and or other beneficial pills. The exploded view shows avariety of data fields that are printed on the front of each pouch. Ingeneral, the data fields provide information corresponding to eachtablet within the pouch. The data fields may include: the name of thepatient 98 a, the date the tablets should be consumed 98 b, the time ofday the tablets should be taken 98 c, the name of the non-prescriptionmedication or nutraceutical 98 d, the scientific name or alternatecommon name of the medication or nutraceutical 98 e, the dosage 98 f,and indications or possible uses for the nutraceuticals 98 g and 98 i.Additionally, an expiration date 98 h is included that indicates thatthe contents of the packet should not be taken after the expirationdate.

Referring to FIG. 12C there is shown an exploded view of theillustrative back side of the pouch 1292 in FIG. 12B. The data fieldsinclude: the name of patient 97 a, a bar code 97 b, the address of thefacility that filled the pouches with tablets 97 c, and the telephonenumber 97 d for additional information. The illustrative bar codeassociates the tablets in the foldable box with a particular patient.

Referring to FIG. 13A there is shown a group of separable pouches,wherein each pouch comprises a plurality of different tablets. Theseparable sealed pouches have been grouped into pairs of pouches 828 and828 a that correspond to medications to be consumed at the same time bythe same individual. Only two illustrative pouch groups are shown.

Referring to FIG. 13B there is shown an exploded view of theillustrative front side of one of the sealed center cut pouches 1392that contains non-prescription medications and/or nutraceuticals.

Referring to FIG. 13C there is shown an exploded view of theillustrative back side of the pouch 1392 in FIG. 13B. The data fieldsinclude: the name of patient 97 a, a bar code 97 b, the address of thefacility that filled the pouches with tablets 97 c, and the telephonenumber 97 d for additional information. The illustrative bar codeassociates the tablets in the foldable box with a particular patient.

Referring now to FIGS. 14A-D, portions of strips of pouches are shown torepresent illustrative configurations of filled packets and associatedheaders. In FIG. 14A, the two packets that are to be consumed at thesame time are located under a header that indicates the correct date andtime period for administration. In FIG. 14B, the illustrative headerthat indicates the correct date and time period for administration islocated between the two packets that are to be consumed at the sametime. FIG. 14C shows an illustrative reverse side of a “headerless”embodiment. FIG. 14D shows the reverse side of an illustrative headerwhere the header is the same size as the packets that hold medicamentsand nutraceuticals. Illustrative text that may appear on the reverseside of the illustrative embodiments of FIGS. 14A and 14B as well as 14Dis also included in FIG. 14D.

The illustrative seven-day strips of FIGS. 14A-14D are placed in anillustrative seven-day container or in an illustrative 30-day containerbefore being delivered to the patient. Illustrative seven-day containersare presented in FIG. 15A through FIG. 17 and FIGS. 19-23. Anillustrative 30-day container is presented in FIGS. 25A-25C and FIGS.27-33.

Referring to FIG. 15A there is shown a plan view of a blank 110 used toform an assembled box 180 (shown in FIG. 15B) that holds a plurality ofpouches, wherein each pouch includes a plurality of different tablets.The foldable box is formed from a single piece of cardboard configuredto receive a plurality of pouches as described herein. The blank 110 isformed from a corresponding stamping die that presses against a largepiece of cardboard and cuts out the perimeter of the blank and forms thescores, holes and other cuts on the blank, in a manner well known in theart of box making. The scores are depressions in the blank 110 and areformed by projections on the dies that press into the corrugatedcardboard blank 110 sufficiently to form a score or fold line, but notcut all the way through the blank 110. The cuts or perforations in blank110 are formed by sharpened depressions on the die that cut all the waythrough the blank.

By way of example and not of limitation, the illustrative cardboard orblank 110 includes an outer smooth layer of paper and a thick interiorlayer. The outer smooth layer may receive printed text or images usingan illustrative laser printer, ink jet printer or other such printingmeans.

The blank 110 comprises a top wall 112 that provides a closure for theassembled box 180 that is shown in FIG. 15B. Adjacent to the top wall112 are two top wall side flaps 116 a and 116 b that are separated byfold lines 114 a and 114 b, respectively. The combination of the topwall 112 and the top wall side flaps 116 a and 116 b provides aprintable area that may be configured to receive toner or ink or even alabel corresponding to a particular patient. Additional details about anillustrative label defined by the top wall 112 and top wall side flaps116 a and 116 b is described below.

A back wall 118 is adjacent to the top wall 112. The back wall 118 isbounded by back wall fold lines 120 a and 120 b that are adjacent toback wall tabs 122 a and 122 b, respectively. The back wall 118 isseparated from the top wall 112 by a top wall/back wall fold line 124.

A bottom wall 126 is adjacent the back wall 118. The bottom wall 126 isbounded by bottom wall fold lines 128 a and 128 b. The illustrativebottom fold line 128 a includes two cuts, namely, cuts 130 a and 130 a′.Additionally, the bottom fold line 128 b also includes two cuts, namelycut 130 b and 130 b′. The bottom wall 126 is separated from the backwall 118 by a back wall/bottom wall fold line 132.

A first side wall 134 a and second side wall 134 b are both adjacent tothe bottom wall 126. The side walls 134 a and 134 b are adjacent to sidewall fold lines 136 a and 136 b, respectively.

A first side wall flap 140 a is adjacent the first side wall 134 a. Asecond side wall flap 140 b is adjacent to the second side wall 134 b.The side walls 134 a and 134 b are configured to receive text.Additionally, each side wall flap 140 a and 140 b comprises a pair oflocking tabs including locking tabs 144 a and 144 a′ that are at theouter edge of side wall flap 140 a and interface or are “locked” intocuts 130 a and 130 a′. On the opposite end of the blank 110, lockingtabs 144 b and 144 b′ interface with cuts 130 b and 130 b′,respectively.

A front wall 146 is adjacent the bottom wall 126. The front wall 146 isbordered by front wall fold lines 148 a and 148 b. Front wall tabs 150 aand 150 b are adjacent the front wall fold lines 148 a and 148 b,respectively. Additionally, the front wall 146 is separated from thebottom wall 126 by a front wall/bottom wall fold line 152 and an edgeslot 154. The front wall 146 also includes a closing slot 156 and aplurality of circular cuts 158 where each cut has a corresponding foldline 160.

A front flap 162 is configured to interface with the closing slot 156.The front flap 162 is adjacent the top wall 112 and both elements areseparated by a front flap/top wall fold line 164. The front flap 162also includes a lip 166 that is bounded by arcuate edge 168 a and 168 b.The lip 166 is received by the closing slot 156 of the front wall 146.The front flap 162 also comprises an opening 170 that is trapezoidal inshape, has rounded edges, and is bordered by the lip 166 and the arcuateedges 168 a and 168 b. Additionally, the front flap 162 comprisesgrooved perforations 172 a and 172 b that are adjacent to cut-outs 174 aand 174 b. In the illustrative embodiment, the cut-outs 174 a and 174 bare configured to receive glue or other such adhesive and are fixedlycoupled to the front wall 146. The grooved perforations 172 a and 172 bare located between cut-outs 174 a and 174 b and the trapezoidal edge ofthe front flap 162 that is adjacent the opening 170. The front flap 162also comprises front flap fold lines 176 a and 176 b that allow the lip166 to move about the axis defined by the front flap fold lines 176 aand 176 b, so the lip 166 can be easily inserted and released fromclosing slot 156.

Referring to FIG. 15B there is shown an illustrative embodiment of anisometric view of an assembled box 180 without any print placed on theblank 110. The second side wall 134 b is shown. The back face of the topwall 112 and the front flap/top wall fold line 164 has been folded overat a 90° angle so that the front flap 162 is coupled to front wall 146by inserting the lip 166 into closing slot 156.

The front flap 162 has an associated opening 170 that permits anillustrative patient to view a portion of the front wall 146. In theillustrative embodiment, the circular cuts 158 are visible through theopening 170. The front flap 162 has a rounded end that is adjacent theedge slot 154, wherein the edge slot 154 follows the fold line 152 andenables the lip 166 to easily separate from closing slot 156. In theillustrative embodiment, the cut-outs 174 a and 174 b are glued orfixedly coupled to the front wall 146. When a sealed assembled box 180is opened, the curved perforations 172 a and 172 b define where thefront flap 162 is perforated and separated from the cut-outs 174 a and174 b that become associated with the front wall 146.

Thus, the assembled box 180 is opened when the front flap 162 is liftedand separated from the front wall 146. When the front flap 162 isseparated from front wall 146, the front flap 162 may be slightly bentalong front flap fold lines 176 a and 176 b.

Referring to FIG. 16A there is shown a label area on a pre-assembledblank 190 that is similar to blank 110 described in FIG. 15A. Theinformation on label 192 is located on the front face of the blank 190and includes information that is associated with a particular patient.The label 192 may be affixed separately as a separate label, printed onthe blank 110 in the label area, or any combination thereof. The labelarea includes the top wall 112, and top side flaps 116 a and 116 bdescribed in FIG. 15A.

Referring to FIG. 16B there is shown a variety of printable areas on theback face of the assembled box 200. The first printable area 202 on thefront wall 146 includes printed letters 203 on the circular cuts 158corresponding to each day of the week where M is Monday, T is Tuesday, Wis Wednesday, Th is Thursday, F is Friday, Sa is Saturday, and Su isSunday. The second printable area 204 on the back face of the top wall112 and includes the week, the filling date, the patient name, anillustrative bar code and an interval or dosage period for consuming themedications, e.g. Morning. The third printable area 206 is disposed onthe back face of second side wall 134 b and includes an illustrative 800number.

Referring to FIG. 17, there is shown a folded box with an exposed labelarea or print area defined by the top wall 112 and top side flaps 116 aand 116 b as described above. The foldable box comprises a lid 210 a anda cavity configured to receive the strip or group of pouches. Theillustrative lid 210 a includes the top wall 112, top side flaps 116 aand 116 b and the front flap 162.

Referring to FIG. 17 and back to FIG. 15A, the illustrative lid 210 a isadjacent to a back wall 118 (shown in FIG. 15A) that is rotatable alongthe top wall/back wall fold line 124 (also shown in FIG. 15A). In theillustrative embodiment, the lid 210 comprises the label 192 with adescription of the medications housed by the foldable box. Additionally,the label 192 comprises a description of precautions corresponding tothe medications as described in further detail below in FIG. 18A.

Referring to FIGS. 18A-18G there is shown an illustrative label. Thelabel is an exploded view of the label 192. The label 192 may be affixedseparately or the label may be printed directly on the cardboard blank110 in the print area, or any combination thereof. The label area orprint area on the illustrative assembled box 200 includes the top wall112 and top side flaps 116 a and 116 b as described above. Theillustrative label 192 is not visible when the assembled box 200 isclosed. Note, the terms “label area” and “print area” are used hereininterchangeably.

The illustrative label 192 comprises a plurality of printed text thatmay include: the patient's name 240, the interval during which themedications are taken, e.g. morning, a picture of the patient 242,patient number 244, order number 246, a list of precautions 248, alisting of the medications 250, a listing of the time interval fortaking the medications 252, a prescription number 254, quantity oftablets per prescription 256, quantity of refills 258, length ofprescription 260, the prescribing physician 262, the manufacturer of thetablets 264 and the lot number 266 corresponding to each tablet.Additionally, a picture 268 of each tablet is provided and the dosageconcentration 270 is provided for each medication. Information about theassociated generic drug 272 is also provided. Furthermore, an expirationdate may also be provided for each tablet or for each prescription.Further still, information regarding the generic or trademarked name ofthe medication may be provided, manufacturer information, corresponding“expiration dates,” personal contact information, physician contactinformation, insurance information and other such information associatedwith the tablets in each container.

Further yet, a bar code 274 associates the medications in the foldablebox with a particular patient. The bar code 274 provides a means forassociating the medications in the foldable box with a particularpatient. The illustrative bar code 274 is not visible when the assembledbox 200 is in a closed position. Alternative means for associating themedications in the box to the patient include, by way of example but notof limitation, the patient's name, a serial number, a radio frequencyidentification (RFID) tag or any other such method for associating anindividual with a particular item.

Referring to FIG. 19 there is shown a 30-day tablet regimen for thepatient medication management system that uses the seven-day box. Apatient medication management system 300 provides a compliance packagingsolution. The patient medication management system 300 described hereinprovides a compliance package because, firstly, an action is required bythe patient or caregiver that requires identifying the appropriatedosage period, e.g. morning, and selecting the appropriate pouch.Secondly, the patient opens the appropriate pouch and consumes themedication. Thirdly, the patient or caregiver records the consumption ofthe medication by removing or pressing the circular cuts.

The patient medication management system 300 comprises a plurality ofsealed pouches that are grouped into four separate strips 302, 304, 306and 308. The first strip 302 is a seven day strip that covers theillustrative dates of Sep. 22, 2007 through Sep. 28, 2007 and theillustrative dosing period is the “morning.” In the illustrativeembodiment, the dosage period is selected from the group of dosageperiod intervals consisting of a morning dosage interval, a noon dosageinterval, an evening dosage interval or a bedtime dosage interval.

The first strip 302 is placed into the illustrative folded box 310 thathas the tablets corresponding to the first week of the 30-day regimen.The second strip 304 is a seven day strip that covers the illustrativedates of Sep. 29, 2007 through Oct. 5, 2007. The dosing period remainsthe same, i.e. morning. The second strip 304 is associated with foldedbox 312 that houses the tablets corresponding to the second week of the30-day regimen. The third strip 306 is a seven day strip that covers theillustrative dates of Oct. 6, 2007 through Oct. 12, 2007 and, again, thedosing period is the morning. The third strip 306 is associated withfolded box 314 that corresponds to the third week of the 30-day regimen.

The fourth strip 308 includes a seven day grouping of pouches 316 thatcovers the illustrative dates of Oct. 13, 2007 through Oct. 19, 2007;the dosing period remains the same, i.e. morning. Additionally, an emptypouch 318 is included with the fourth strip 308 that provides a reminderto place another order and an illustrative 800 number to assist inplacing the refill order. Furthermore, a two day grouping of pouches 320covers the illustrative dates of Oct. 20, 2007 through Oct. 21, 2007.The fourth strip 308 is associated with folded box 322 that houses thetablets corresponding to the fourth week of the 30-day regimen. Thus,the fourth strip 308 includes eighteen pouches that complete the 30-dayregimen.

Each of the strips 302, 304, 306 and 308 are placed in the correspondingfolded boxes 310, 312, 314 and 322, respectively. Each folded box or“primary container” is configured to receive at least seven pouches.Note, the terms folded box, assembled box, and “primary container” areused interchangeably throughout this patent. Thus, each primarycontainer is configured to receive at least seven pouches thatcorrespond to the particular dosage period and the illustrative primarycontainer is labeled with the dosage period corresponding to themedications. Additionally, each primary container may be labeled withthe patient name and dosage period as described above.

Each folded box or primary container comprises a plurality of dailyindicators corresponding to a seven-day period that are disposed on theprimary container. The daily indicators provide a means for recordingthat the medications in the pouch have been taken. An illustrativeembodiment of the daily indicators has been provided above thatdescribes a plurality of circular cuts 158 on the folded box. Each ofthe daily indicators is configured to indicate that the medications inthe pouch have been taken, thereby providing a means for compliancepackaging.

In the illustrative 30-day regimen, the sealed pouches associated withstrips 302, 304, 306 and 308 include sealed pouches with a plurality ofdifferent tablets that correspond to different medications and/orvitamins. The different medications are associated with at least oneprescription and each tablet includes an appropriate dosage consistentwith the prescription. Each of the sealed pouches is labeled to show themedications or nutraceuticals in the pouch and labeled with a particulardosage period that includes at least one daily interval for consumingthe medications in the pouch.

Referring to FIG. 20 there is shown a secondary container that receivesfour primary containers or assembled boxes. The secondary container 330is configured to house the four illustrative primary containers 310,312, 314 and 322 described above. The illustrative secondary container330 is composed of a cardboard material. The secondary containerincludes a lid 332 that is rotatable about a back fold line. Theillustrative lid 332 includes a plurality of side flaps.

In the illustrative embodiment, the secondary container 330 is sealedwith a label 334 that affixes the lid 332 to the body of the secondarycontainer 330. The illustrative label 334 includes the patient's name336 and a general description that there are multiple prescriptionpouches 338 in the secondary container. The illustrative label 334 mayalso include additional information such as the dosing interval ordosing period, the prescribing physician, one or more bar codes, apatient serial number or additional information about the differentmedications, such as the type of prescriptions within the box, thepharmacy that filled the prescription or any other such information. Toopen the illustrative secondary container 330, the label 334 is simplybroken by the patient or caregiver and access is provided to the 30-dayregimen in primary containers 310, 312, 314, and 322.

Additionally, a medication summary sheet 340 may also be included orhoused by the secondary container 330. The medication summary sheet 340provides detailed information about the tablets in each pouch. Themedication summary sheet 340 may include warnings, precautions, sideeffects, dosage, administration, clinical pharmacology and picturescorresponding to each medication. For example, the medication summarysheet may include summaries of the various medications being taken andsummaries of the side effects. In general, the medication summary sheetprovides the patient with a detailed summary of the medications beingtaken. The medication summary sheet 340 may also include the name of thepatient, a bar code or other such identification means that ensures thatthe correct medication summary sheet 340 is associated with thecorresponding prescription.

The illustrative secondary container 330 housing the four smallercontainers may be distributed or dispensed at a retail pharmacy, by mailorder or by a combination thereof. For the mail order embodiment, amailing label is also associated with the secondary container. Themailing label enables delivery of the patient medication to a mailingaddress corresponding to the patient.

Referring now to FIG. 21 there is shown a plurality of differentsecondary containers corresponding to four different dosage periods. Inthe illustrative embodiment, the first dosage period is the morningdosing period corresponding to the “AM” secondary container 330. Thesecond dosage period is the lunch-time dosing period corresponding tothe “Noon” secondary container 342. The third dosage period is thedinner or evening dosage period associated with the “PM” secondarycontainer 344. The fourth illustrative dosage period is the late nightdosage period corresponding to the “Bedtime” secondary container 346.Additional dosage periods or intervals may also be necessary and theabove dosage periods are illustrative and not limiting.

The secondary containers may also be combined in a tertiary container(not shown). The illustrative tertiary container may be used forshipping purposes or simply to store and transport the secondarycontainers.

Referring now to FIG. 22, there is shown another type of primarycontainer configured to interface with a stackable strip of medicamentcups that are associated with an individual regimen. As shown, strips ofmedicament cups, such as the illustrative strips of cups shown in FIGS.5-7 and 9A-9B, are placed into primary containers after being foldedinto the stacked configuration.

Referring now to FIG. 23 there is shown a plurality of differentsecondary containers corresponding to four different dosage periods.This tertiary container 2300 is configured to hold one week's worth ofmedications. In this illustrative embodiment, the first dosage period isthe morning dosing period corresponding to the “AM” secondary container330. The second dosage period is the lunch-time dosing periodcorresponding to the “Noon” secondary container 342. The third dosageperiod is the dinner or evening dosage period associated with the “PM”secondary container 344. The fourth illustrative dosage period is thelate night dosage period corresponding to the “Bedtime” secondarycontainer 346. Additional dosage periods or intervals may also benecessary and the above dosage periods are illustrative and notlimiting.

Alternatively, the secondary containers may be configured such that allthe medications in one secondary container are associated with oneparticular time period for administration in the same fashion as shownin FIG. 20.

Referring to FIG. 24A there is shown an illustrative flowchart for usingthe patient medication management system described above. The method2400 is initiated at block 2402 where a secondary container associatedwith the appropriate time interval or dosage period is selected. Asdescribed above, the illustrative dosage periods are morning, lunch,dinner and bedtime.

The patient then proceeds to block 2404 where the patient opens thesecondary container and selects the appropriate primary container atblock 2406. At block 2408, the primary container is opened.Subsequently, the appropriate multiple prescription pouch is selected atblock 2410 and the patient may take or consume the tablets in themultiple prescription pouch.

At block 2412, the patient or caregiver then records that the pouch hasbeen removed by pushing out the appropriate circular cut on the primarycontainer. This recording step completes the compliance packagingprocess. Alternatively, the patient may take the tablets at block 2414after pushing out the circular cut-out.

At decision diamond 2416, the patient or caregiver determines whether toplace a new order. The decision may be triggered by an empty pouchmarked “Reorder” as shown in FIG. 14D that reminds the user that a neworder or refill order should be placed or the decision may be triggeredby the patient or caregiver taking their own initiative. The order isthen placed at block 2418, where an illustrative refill order is placed.

If there is no need to place another order, the primary container isclosed and returned to the secondary container that is also closed. Themethod then proceeds to decision diamond 2420 where the patient waitsfor the next time interval or dosage period. When the next dosage periodarrives, the method returns to block 2402 and the entire cycle isrepeated. Those skilled in the art shall appreciate that various designparameters, requirements, rulings, orders and statutes may affect theprecise method employed.

Compliant packaging may also include a compliant package having aplurality of different tablets corresponding to one or moreprescriptions from one or more medical doctors. The compliant packagecontents are consumed at a predetermined interval consistent with theprescription. Some compliant packaging solutions may not record thateach of the tablets is consumed. For example, an illustrative 30-dayfoldable box configured to receive the plurality of pouches is presentedherein.

Referring to FIG. 24B there is shown an illustrative flowchart for usingthe patient medication management system described above. The method2430 is initiated at block 2432 where a secondary container associatedwith one of the illustrative weeks, such as week 1, is selected.

The patient then proceeds to block 2434 where the patient opens thesecondary container. The method then proceeds to selects the appropriateprimary container associated with the appropriate time interval ordosage period at block 2436. As described above, the illustrative dosageperiods are morning, lunch, dinner and bedtime At block 2438, theprimary container is opened. Subsequently, the appropriate multipleprescription pouch is selected at block 2440 and the patient may take orconsume the tablets in the multiple prescription pouch.

At block 2442, the patient or caregiver then records that the pouch hasbeen removed by pushing out the appropriate circular cut on the primarycontainer. This recording step completes the compliance packagingprocess. Alternatively, the patient may take the tablets at block 2444after pushing out the circular cut-out.

At decision diamond 2446, the patient or caregiver determines whether toplace a new order. The decision may be triggered by the empty pouchmarked “Reorder” as shown in FIG. 14D that reminds the user that a neworder or refill order should be placed or the decision may be triggeredby the patient or caregiver taking their own initiative. The order isthen placed at block 2448, where an illustrative refill order is placed.

If there is no need to place another order, the primary container isclosed and returned to the secondary container that is also closed. Themethod then proceeds to decision diamond 2450 where the patient waitsfor the next time interval or dosage period. When the next dosage periodarrives, the method returns to block 2432 and the entire cycle isrepeated. Those skilled in the art shall appreciate that various designparameters, requirements, rulings, orders and statutes may affect theprecise method employed.

Compliant packaging may also include a compliant package having aplurality of different tablets corresponding to one or moreprescriptions from one or more medical doctors. The compliant packagecontents are consumed at a predetermined interval consistent with theprescription. Some compliant packaging solutions may not record thateach of the tablets is consumed. For example, an illustrative 30-dayfoldable box configured to receive the plurality of pouches is presentedherein.

Referring to FIGS. 25A-25C, there are shown isometric views of the30-day tablet dispensing container 400. In general, the illustrative30-day tablet dispensing container is a foldable box that includes a topwall, a front side wall, a right-side wall, a back side wall, aleft-side wall and a bottom wall. The top wall has one end fixedlycoupled to the foldable box and an opposite end that provides a foldablelid. The front side wall has a removable lid that is bordered by aplurality of perforations. The right-side wall abuts the front side walland the top wall. The back side wall abuts the right-side wall and thetop wall. The left-side wall abuts the top wall and is between the backside wall and the front side wall. The bottom wall abuts the frontside-wall, the right-side wall, the back side, and the left-side wall.The container is formed to receive a plurality of pouches as describedherein.

By way of example and not of limitation, the illustrative cardboard usedto construct container 400 includes an outer smooth layer of paper and athick interior layer. The outer smooth layer may receive printed text orimages using an illustrative laser printer, ink jet printer or othersuch printing means. Additionally, the outer layer may also beconfigured to receive a label that is affixed thereto.

In the illustrative embodiment, a perforated, removable lid 404 makes upa large portion of the front side wall 406 and top wall 402 of theillustrative container 400. The lid can be partially or completelyremoved in order to access the medicament pouches within the container400. In one embodiment the lid 404 may only occupy one wall such as thefront side wall. In the illustrative embodiment, the lid occupies thefront side wall 406 and extends to the top wall 402.

The illustrative top wall 402 has one end fixedly coupled to thefoldable box and an opposite end that provides a foldable lid. Asecondary label 475 is configured to seal the foldable lid on the topwall. In the illustrative embodiment, the secondary label has a bar code(shown in FIG. 18G) and includes the time interval when the tabletsshould be administered or taken. In the illustrative embodiment, thesecondary label 475 visible on top wall 402 of the container 400indicates the time period 470, the filling date 474, and theprescription start date 476 listed above the perforations of lid 404.

A portion of the primary label 500 is visible in FIGS. 25A-C, shownaffixed to the container 400 such that it covers the lower portion ofthe left side wall of the container 400. The label goes on to cover thelower portion of the back side wall and right-side wall of the container400. In the view shown in FIGS. 25A-C, the top wall 402, front wall 406and left side wall 410 of container 400 are visible. The label includesimportant information related to the prescriptions and to the individualpatient for whom the medications were prescribed.

The illustrative primary label 500 may include, for example, patient andmedication data such as patient name and number, names of prescribingphysicians, medicine(s), dosage strength(s), medicine quantity(s), colorimages of the medicine(s), prescription number(s), NDA number(s),warning(s), dosage period(s), administration schedule(s) and the like.The illustrative label strip is configured such that all informationnecessary for drug identification and administration is affixed to thecontainer 400.

The illustrative container 400 comprises a cavity defined by the frontside wall, the right-side wall, the back side wall, the left-side walland the bottom wall, wherein the cavity is configured to receive theplurality of filled pouches that are associated with a bar code. Theplurality of filled pouches includes at least 28 filled pouches, inwhich each pouch comprises a plurality of different tablets associatedwith a prescription. The barcode is associated with at least one of thepouches, wherein the barcode is associated with the prescription.

Referring to FIGS. 26A-26E there is shown an illustrative primary label500. The primary label 500 is the large label that is affixed to theside walls. The secondary label 475 is affixed between the top wall andthe back side wall. The primary label 500 is affixed to the foldable boxand includes a description of the medications and the barcode associatedwith the prescriptions.

The illustrative bar code provides a means for associating the labelsand pouches with a particular patient. By way of example and not oflimitation, the means for associating the pouches may also include aradio-frequency identification (RFID) component, writing or other suchassociative element capable of associating the labels, pouches andparticular package with a particular patient

Starting from the left side of FIG. 26A, the label includes patient anddosage period information including time period 502, patient name 504,barcode 506, patient number 508, and order number 510. Some embodiments,particularly those embodiments suitable for use in a long-term carefacility, may also include a photograph (not shown) of the patient inthis portion of the label with other identifying information. In otherillustrative embodiments, the label may include information about avariety of different prescriptions and medications associated with eachof these different prescriptions. Furthermore, the primary label mayinclude an expiration date for each prescription.

The time period 502 refers to the particular time of day that thepatient must take the tablets within the container. In this illustrativelabel, the time period is “Morning.” The numeral “1” next to the word“Morning” is another reference to the time period. In this case“Morning” is the first time period during which the illustrative patientmust take medications.

A barcode 506 is printed on the illustrative label 500. A barcode mayappear on each element of the container and its packaging including theillustrative label 500, the container 400 as shown in FIGS. 25A-25C andan illustrative strip of packets or pouches configured to be placedwithin container 400. The barcodes may encode important information suchas time period 502, Patient Name 504, Patient Number 508 and/or OrderNumber 510. The barcodes are associated with one another duringcontainer assembly and filling, improving order verification by ensuringthat the appropriate pouches, having been filled with medicamentsassociated with a particular patient 504 and time period 502, are placedin the appropriate container 400 that is associated with the particularpatient 504 and time period 502. Barcodes are also used to ensure thatthe appropriate label 500 is affixed to the appropriate container 400associated with a particular patient 504 and time period 502. Thebarcode may also be associated with a variety of different prescriptionsand the corresponding expiration date for each prescription.

Referring now to the “Precautions” section of the illustrative label500, there is shown a list of drug precautions 514 associated with themedicaments in the illustrative order. Each drug precaution for eachdrug found within the container is present in the Precautions section.The Precautions section may also include information on synergistic,agonist or antagonist effects that may occur among one or moremedications in the order. Each precaution 514 is associated with anumeral 512A, or with another easy-to interpret symbol. Each precautionapplies to at least one drug in the order, but may apply to more thanone drug.

The next column of label 500 contains another set of numerals 512B thatmap to the numerals 512A and thus to drug precautions 514. For example,one of the drug precautions 514 instructs patients to refer to thePatient Info Booklet for additional cautions. The 512A number “6” isassociated with the Patient Info Booklet precaution. In turn, the 512Bnumber “6” is associated with several of the prescription tablets 518.Other easily interpreted symbols could be used in place of numbers, butit is essential that the first set 512A maps exactly to the second set512B.

Referring now to FIGS. 26C and 26D, the next part of the label 500 showsdrug information, including color images 516 of each drug in the orderand the name 518 of each drug in the order. The numbers 512B are groupedsuch that each ‘cell’ containing a group of numbers 512B is associatedwith exactly one drug 518. The numbers 512B show which listedprecautions are associated with each prescription in the order. Asshown, each precaution 514 maps to exactly one number 512A, but eachprecaution 514 and its corresponding number 512B may apply to more thanone drug in an order. That is, each number found in the set of numbers512A may appear associated with any or all drugs 518 in the order,depending on which group of numbers 512B appears next to the drug image516 and name 518.

For example, on the illustrative label 500, six precautions 514 areshown, each of which is in turn associated with exactly one number 512A.The first drug 518 listed on the label is “ARICEPT.” Next to the word“ARICEPT” is shown the color image of the drug 516, and on the otherside the 512B numbers “1, 2, 3, & 4” are listed. This means that eachprecaution 514 associated with each of the 512A numbers “1”, “2”, “3”,and “4” applies to “ARICEPT.” Further, the number “4” appears in thegroups of numbers 512B adjacent to three of the six illustrative drugs,and number “6” appears in the groups of numbers 512B adjacent to five ofthe six drugs listed, while the 512B number “5” is listed next to onlyone drug. This means that the precaution 514 associated with 512A number“5” applies only to one drug, while the precaution 514 associated with512A number “6” applies to almost every drug in the order.

The “Medication/Rx#” section of FIG. 26D includes the drug images 516and the drug name 518 mentioned above, in addition to the unit dosage520, the drug format 521 and the prescription number 528. Thus, avariety of different prescriptions may be consolidated and integratedinto the primary label 500. The prescriptions may also include differentexpiration dates as indicated by the dates in column 522, shown in FIG.26E. The color images 516 show both the front and the back of eachtablet. The color images allow the patient or a caregiver to identifyindividual medications within each pouch by using the label 500 as akey. If a patient's medication must be changed in the middle of a 30-dayprescription order, this allows the patient to keep taking medicationsfrom the current 30-day period by merely discarding tablets associatedwith any discontinued prescriptions or recommendations after opening thepacket or pouch, and consuming the remaining medications.

The next column of text, shown in FIG. 26E, displays refill information522 including the number of refills left on the prescription for thatdrug, the quantity of tablets that is supplied each time theprescription is filled and the date that the prescription expired. Thenext column of text includes the prescribing practitioner's name 524 foreach drug 518 and the last column includes manufacturer information 526including the name of the manufacturer or other manufacturer data.

Referring to FIG. 27, there is shown a side view of the front side wallfor the unopened 30-day tablet dispensing container. The front part oflid 404 is visible on the front side wall. Lid 404 is removed by thepatient or a caregiver in order to access the contents of the container400. By way of example, the front lid 404 and the space below the lidhave areas that display the name of the pharmacy that provides thecontainer 400.

Referring to FIG. 28 there is shown a side view of the back side wall ofthe 30-day tablet dispensing container. Part of the primary label 500 isshown affixed to the lower portion of the back side wall 426 of thecontainer 400. Additionally, part of the secondary label 475 is alsoshown. The visible portion of the primary label 500 includes themedicament and nutraceutical images 516, the medicament or nutraceuticalname 518, the dosage amount 520, the dosage format 521, and the drugnumber 528 is shown. The upper portion of the back side wall 426 ofcontainer 400 includes a portion of the secondary label 475 that alsohas additional printed information that includes dosage period 550,patient name 552, patient number 554, order number 556, and barcode 558.

Referring to FIGS. 29A-29B, there is shown a side view of theillustrative right-side wall of the 30-day tablet dispensing container.The visible portion of primary label 500 is affixed to the lower portionof right side wall 420. The visible label portion includes the timeperiod 502, patient name 504, barcode 506, patient number 508, ordernumber 510, numbers 512A associated with precautions 514 (not shown),and numbers 512B. In this illustrative embodiment, the upper portion ofthe right side 420 includes pharmacy name 564 and contacttelephone/facsimile number 560. In this illustrative embodiment, theright side 420 also includes certain additional legal information orwarnings 566 regarding the package and its contents.

During the process of assembling and filling the 30-day tabletdispensing container, bar code 558 may be printed or affixed to the backof an assembled, unfilled container before any other patient-specificinformation is applied. Then, as the process continues, barcode 506 fromthe illustrative label 500 may be compared to barcode 558 that isalready present on the unfilled container before the label 500 isaffixed to the container. Lastly, the barcode 564 that is found on theback of each tablet pouch may be compared with the barcode 506 disposedon the label 500 and/or the barcode 558 disposed on the back side of thecontainer. If the barcodes are properly associated, i.e. they “match”,then the strip of packets will be placed into the associated containerbefore sealing the container. The barcode scanning can be accomplishedwith hand-held devices or may be automated.

Referring to FIG. 30 there is shown a side view of the illustrativeleft-side wall of the 30-day tablet dispensing container. The visibleportion of primary label 500 is affixed to the lower portion of leftside wall 410. The label portion includes the refill information 522including quantity 534, number of refills 536, the date that theprescription is good through 538, prescribing practitioner names 524,and manufacturer information 526. In this illustrative embodiment, theupper portion of the left side 410 includes illustrative pharmacy name568 and contact address 562.

In FIG. 31 there is shown a top view of the top wall of the unopened30-day tablet dispensing container. The top wall 402 includes the dosageperiod 470, the dosage period number 472, the date that the prescriptionwas filled 474, and the date that marks the first day of the about30-day period during which the enclosed medicaments should be taken 476.A bottom view of the 30-day tablet dispensing container is shown in FIG.32 that includes folded elements and glued elements of the containerthat make up the bottom wall 480 when the foldable box is assembled.

Referring to FIG. 33 there is shown an illustrative front view of theopened 30-day tablet dispensing container that reveals illustrativepouches where the front lid 404 (not shown) has been removed to revealmedicament packets within. Typically, the lid is removed after the userverifies that the medications are prescribed to the person that is aboutto take the medication by checking the patient name. The user would thenverify that the time period on the illustrative container 400corresponds to the current time of day. If this is the first time thecontainer has been used, the illustrative user would then remove the lid404 from the top 402 and/or the front 406 of the illustrative container400 to reveal the contents. Next, the user would reach into thecontainer and remove the first packet or pouch that containsmedicaments. The user would then verify that the pouch or packet has thecurrent date before opening the pouch. While the user may also re-verifythat the pouch or packet also has the correct patient name and dosageperiod, this step is unnecessary due to the barcode verification(described above) used during the filling process.

Once the user has verified that the pouch removed from the container isfor the correct person, date, and time period, the user may then openthe pouch. The user will then administer the medication to the patient(himself or someone else). The patient will take the medication anddiscard the empty pouch. The process will be repeated for the nextdosage period, such as mid-day.

The illustrative pouch described above can be opened with only one hand,making it easier for those with limited motion to self-administer evencomplex medication regimens. In this way, the 30-day tablet dispensingcontainer system described herein provides a compliance mechanism thatis simple to understand and intuitive to use for patients and caregiversalike.

The illustrative 30-day tablet dispensing container offers additionalbenefits for those with a variety of conditions that affect speechand/or upper limb mobility, including but not limited to disorders likearthritis, effects of a stroke or early stage dementia. Many of thesepatients develop their conditions later in life, and these patients maydislike relying on a caregiver to provide information to physicians orto self-administer complex medication regimens. The 30-day tabletdispensing container system helps these patients address both issues.For a patient, the illustrative 30-day tablet dispensing containerprovides drug regimen information and facilitates communication with aphysician, a nurse, a third party, a spouse, a caregiver or other suchindividual. The 30-day tablet dispensing container also allows theillustrative patient to maintain independence by taking charge of theirown medications.

Referring to FIG. 34, there is shown an illustrative flowchart 3400describing the overall method for packaging pharmaceutical andnon-pharmaceutical tablets. At optional block 3402, if the patient is anew patient, the enrollment form is received from the new patient.Proceeding to block 3404, a prescription order is received at a server.The order may, for example, be entered into the server by a patient orphysician via an interface with the server. At block 3406, an order fornon-prescription tablets is received at the server. In some embodiments,the server may be associated with a front-end system such asPharmaServe. The method then proceeds to block 3408, where theprescription order is verified.

Once the patient and order information are entered into the server, eachorder is now associated with a particular patient's individual regimen.The prescription and non-prescription orders are grouped and treated asone order within the system. Any additional prescriptions that thepatient may require in the future may be added to the patient's orderwhen prescriptions are next filled.

Moving on to block 3410, the verified prescription order that isassociated with a particular patient and corresponds to specific timesfor administration is forwarded to production and filled. The userinterface communicates with the back-end (filling) system, allowing theprescriptions to be grouped as an order during filling.

The filling process uses automated techniques. During the fillingprocess, the tablets that are associated with the prescription order maybe loaded into compliance containers that are configured for use withthe system and methods described herein.

Referring now to block 3412 of FIG. 34, the method proceeds to printingof the header label. Moving on to block 3414, the filled order isinspected. The inspection process includes verifying that the tablets tobe dispensed are properly associated with the particular patient andprescription order. The inspection process also includes inspection ofthe filled packages to ensure that the distribution of the tabletswithin the containers is consistent with the patient's dosage regimen.Further, the labeling corresponding to a particular time period andspecific dates for administration is associated with the pouches or cupsthat contain the associated tablets. The header labeling associated withthe order is also inspected and verified to be of legible print quality.Inspected strips are matched with the appropriate secondary containerand the corresponding integrated labeling.

Moving on to block 3416, the strips are sealed within the appropriatesecondary container and all secondary containers corresponding to acomplete order are placed into a shipping container.

It is to be understood that the detailed description of illustrativeembodiments provided for illustrative purposes. The scope of the claimsis not limited to these specific embodiments or examples. The foldablebox holding a plurality of pouches, manufacturing separable pouches witha center cut blade, and patient medication management system providespatients or caregivers with the peace of mind of knowing that the rightmedication will be taken at the right dosage period each day. Thus, thepatient medication management system and method removes the worriessurrounding medication mishaps and enabling the patient to liveindependently longer. Various structural limitations, elements, details,and uses can differ from those just described, or be expanded on orimplemented using technologies not yet commercially viable, and yetstill be within the inventive concepts of the present disclosure. Thescope of the invention is determined by the following claims and theirlegal equivalents.

1. A container for dispensing pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceuticaltablets, comprising: a prescription tablet pouch configured to receiveat least one type of prescription drug tablet; a non-prescription tabletpouch separably coupled to the prescription tablet pouch, thenon-prescription tablet pouch configured to receive at least one type ofnon-prescription tablet; a header label separably coupled to theprescription tablet pouch, the header label comprising informationindicating a time at which the contents of the prescription tablet pouchand the contents of the non-prescription tablet pouch are to beconsumed.
 2. The container of claim 1 wherein the prescription tabletpouch and the non-prescription tablet pouch are labeled with informationrelated to the contents of the pouch.
 3. The container of claim 2wherein the information related to the contents of the pouch comprisesthe name of the patient, a date the tablets are to be consumed, a timeof day the tablets are to be consumed, a name of the tablet contents, aprescription number, and an expiration date.
 4. The container of claim2, wherein the colors used to mark the prescription tablet pouch are theinverse of the colors used to mark the non-prescription tablet pouch. 5.The container of claim 1, wherein the prescription tablet pouch ismarked with a symbol indicating prescription contents and thenon-prescription tablet pouch is marked with a symbol indicatingnon-prescription contents.
 6. The container of claim 1, wherein theprescription tablet pouch and the non-prescription tablet pouch aremarked with a bar code associating the contents of the pouch with aparticular patient.
 7. The container of claim 1, wherein a couplingbetween the prescription tablet pouch and the non-prescription pouch isa center cut coupling.
 8. A strip of containers for dispensingpharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical tablets, comprising: at least onecontainer separably coupled to another container, each containercomprising: a prescription tablet pouch configured to receive at leastone type of prescription drug tablet; a non-prescription tablet pouchseparably coupled to the prescription tablet pouch, the non-prescriptiontablet pouch configured to receive at least one type of non-prescriptiontablet; a header label separably coupled to the prescription tabletpouch, the header label comprising information indicating the time atwhich the contents of the prescription tablet pouch and the contents ofthe non-prescription tablet pouch are to be consumed.
 9. The strip ofcontainers of claim 8, wherein the strip comprises one or morecontainers corresponding to each day of a week.
 10. The strip ofcontainers of claim 8, wherein the strip comprises a secondary labelcomprising information corresponding to the strip of containers.
 11. Thesecondary label of claim 10, wherein the information corresponding tothe strip of containers comprises an image of the patient.
 12. Thesecondary label of claim 10, wherein the information corresponding tothe strip of containers comprises a bar code associating the contents ofthe strip with a particular patient.
 13. The container of claim 8wherein the prescription tablet pouch and the non-prescription tabletpouch are labeled with information related to the contents of the pouch.14. The container of claim 13 wherein the information related to thecontents of the pouch comprises the name of the patient, a date thetablets are to be consumed, a time of day the tablets are to beconsumed, a name of the tablet contents, a prescription number, and anexpiration date.
 15. A method for packaging pharmaceutical andnon-pharmaceutical tablets, the method comprising: receiving at a serveran order for tablets comprising an order for at least one type ofprescription tablet and an order for at least one type ofnon-prescription tablet; generating with the server instructions forfilling a plurality of prescription tablet pouches and non-prescriptiontablet pouches; filling by automated means a plurality of prescriptiontablet pouches with the at least one type of prescription tablet;filling by automated means a plurality of nonprescription tablet poucheswith the at least one type of non-prescription tablet; printing byautomated means a plurality of labels comprising information indicatingthe time at which the contents of the prescription tablet pouch andnon-prescription tablet pouch associated with each label are to beconsumed.
 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the plurality of labelsare further printed with information related to the contents of thepouch.
 17. The method of claim 16, wherein the information related tothe contents of the pouch comprises the name of the patient, a date thetablets are to be consumed, a time of day the tablets are to beconsumed, a name of the tablet pouch contents, a prescription number andan expiration date.
 18. The method of claim 16, wherein the colors usedto mark the prescription tablet pouch are the inverse of the colors usedto mark the non-prescription tablet pouch.
 19. The method of claim 15,further comprising marking the prescription tablet pouch by automatedmeans with a symbol indicating prescription contents and marking thenon-prescription tablet pouch by automated means with a symbolindicating non-prescription contents.
 20. The method of claim 15,further comprising marking the prescription tablet pouch and thenon-prescription tablet pouch with a bar code associating the contentsof the pouch with a particular patient.